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Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HSRC Operator Trainee

Heidelberg, MS

$14.50 - $19/hr

Responds and assists Contractor to spills as needed within the Refinery. Reads and follows all ... Performs checklist on Railcar Mover before operating and notifies the Operations Supervisor of any ...

HSRC Operator Trainee

Heidelberg, MS · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Responds and assists Contractor to spills as needed within the Refinery. Reads and follows all ... Performs checklist on Railcar Mover before operating and notifies the Operations Supervisor of any ...

We refine chemical material solutions with game-changing products. Let us empower you to push ... WHAT WE OFFER The Specialty Films site in North America is seeking a Regrind Operator Trainee to ...

Must be willing to live in North Pole or a reasonable distance from the refinery for callouts ... Complete all required Operator Trainee training. * Must have a valid driver's license and working ...

We refine chemical material solutions with game-changing products. Let us empower you to push ... WHAT WE OFFER The Specialty Films site in North America is seeking a Regrind Operator Trainee to ...

... refinery and natural gas coproducts. Oxbow produces and distributes calcined and fuel grade ... Oxbow is currently looking for an Operator Trainee 1 to join our team in Texas City, Texas. This ...

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Refinery Operator Trainee information

What does a Refinery Operator Trainee do?

A Refinery Operator Trainee learns how to monitor and control the equipment and processes involved in turning crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They receive on-the-job training to understand safety protocols, read gauges, adjust controls, and troubleshoot issues within the refinery. Trainees often work under the supervision of experienced operators and gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain experience and knowledge. This role is essential for maintaining efficient and safe refinery operations.

What are some typical challenges a Refinery Operator Trainee may face during their initial training period?

As a Refinery Operator Trainee, you may encounter challenges such as mastering complex control systems, understanding detailed safety protocols, and adapting to shift work, which often includes nights and weekends. The learning curve can be steep due to the technical nature of the processes and the need to respond quickly and accurately to potential operational issues. However, most facilities provide structured training programs and mentorship to help trainees build confidence and competence in both routine operations and emergency responses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refinery Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refinery Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial safety, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with process control systems, instrumentation, and safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable refinery operations in a hazardous environment.

What is the difference between Refinery Operator Trainee vs Refinery Operator?

AspectRefinery Operator TraineeRefinery Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic safety and technical trainingAdditional experience and certifications; advanced technical skills
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning-focusedOperational, hands-on, responsible for daily plant operations
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning safety procedures, basic equipment operationMonitoring processes, adjusting equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency

The main difference is that a Refinery Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and certifications, while a Refinery Operator is fully responsible for plant operations. Trainees are supervised and gaining experience, whereas operators perform routine and complex tasks independently.

More about Refinery Operator Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Refinery Operator Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery Operator jobs? The most popular types of Refinery Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Refinery Operator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
HSRC Operator Trainee

HSRC Operator Trainee

Hunt

Heidelberg, MS

$14.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Monitors unloading and loading activities of all railcars.

Makes and verifies all line-ups to appropriate tanks to ensure proper loading/unloading spot and tankage are receiving/delivering appropriate material.

Starts pumps either in the field or communication to the Control Room Operators for oil movements associated with the Railcar loading/unloading system.

Checks railcar temperatures as needed to determine if Steam is required for heating of the railcars prior to, and throughout discharge of the material.

Manages the steam going to the railcars to adequately provide steam for offloading, but also to prevent from robbing the Refinery steam system, causing an upset.

Quality Assurance/Control of all incoming and outgoing railcars - ie: sealed properly, car sealed, not leaking, etc.

Provides oversight to ensure loading and unloading procedures are being followed to prevent incidents involving the loading or unloading of railcars.

Documents railcars that are being discharged and runs interface between Shipping Process System and Railcar Offloading Operation (by contractor).

Records all information that is required on the proper log sheets as soon as practical after the activity is started or completed.

Writes work orders as needed and notifies the Control Room Operator and/or the Operations Supervisor.

Vapor/air frees pump when needed.  Flushes lines/pumps adequately to ensure lines will free flow at all times.

Ensures flow meter for capturing Railcar Oil movements is functioning adequately to capture discharges at the Refinery Battery Limits routinely.

Provides communication/interface between Railcar Field Operation and the Control Room Operator.

Plans for oil movements to ensure the off-loading system WILL NOT be constrained by routine oil movements.

Provides support for Yield Accounting/Shipping/Sample handling needs with regards to all Railcar loading/unloading activity.

Interacts with Contractor Supervisor to stay on-schedule, maintain a safe working environment, and provide environmental awareness for the Railcar loading/unloading area.

Provides the relief person with concise, accurate, verbal summary of what happened on the shift and anything that may require his/her attention including MOC, Change Work Request or Work Orders; provides the relief person with an accurately written log of important things that happened during the shift.

Works with the Logistics Coordinator to assign necessary tasks, which are not specifically assigned to a particular job.

Uses skills to perform needed maintenance or preventive maintenance task.

Checks lubrication and fills reservoirs with proper grade oil and makes certain oil caps and lids are in place and oil is water free.

Responds and assists Contractor to spills as needed within the Refinery.

Reads and follows all applicable GUIDELINES and procedures.

Available "on-call" resource for unusual circumstances and unit emergencies.

Ensures that the Rail area is properly winterized in cold weather.

Operates Railcar Mover to spot cars for loading and offloading.

Performs checklist on Railcar Mover before operating and notifies the Operations Supervisor of any deficiencies.

Performs assigned duties during power failures.

Responds to Call out OT and scheduled OT for vacations and sickness as needed by the company

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required.  Two year

degree or certification from a technical school or an apprenticeship program and

two or more years experience in an industrial environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.   

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Driver License

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS

      The physical demands of this position are listed in the following tables:

                                                                                                Amount of Time

Under

1/3 to

Over

None

1/3

2/3

2/3

Stand

X

Walk

X

Sit

X

Use hands to finger, handle, or feel

X

Reach with hands and arms

X

Climb or balance

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

X

Talk or hear

X

Taste or smell

X

                                                                                                Amount of Time

Lifting:

Under

1/3 to

Over

None

1/3

2/3

2/3

Up to 10 pounds

X

Up to 25 pounds

X

Up to 50 pounds

X

Up to 100 pounds

X

More than 100 pounds

X

         WORK ENVIRONMENT

         The environmental conditions for this position are listed in the following table:

                                                                                                Amount of Time

Under

1/3 to

Over

None

1/3

2/3

2/3

Wet or humid conditions (non-weather)

X

Work near moving mechanical parts

X

Work in high, precarious places

X

Flammable or caustic chemicals

X

Outdoor weather conditions

X

Extreme hot/cold (weather related)

X

Extreme cold (non-weather)

X

Extreme heat (non-weather)

X

Risk of electrical shock

X

Work with explosives

X

Risk of radiation

X

Vibration

X

           *  Noise - This position requires work in loud, high noise areas.  

The Hunt family of companies are a privately owned group of entities that include oil and gas exploration and production, refining, LNG, power, renewables, real estate, ranching and infrastructure. The mission of Hunt is to be a growth-oriented industry leader respected throughout the world for the quality and competency of its people, the efficiency and scope of its operations, and its rich heritage of honesty and integrity.